Quote Originally Posted by Malamasala View Post
Of course if anyone wonders why SMN and DRK would be similar, it is because of the following points.

SMN 2 handed weapon user = DRK 2 handed weapon user
SMN has MP = DRK has MP
SMNs avoid casting spells when they can (preferably keep the same avatar out and not resummoning) = DRK avoiding casting spells when they can (to not interrupt melee swings)
SMN uses JA's (BPs) = DRK uses JA's (Soul eater and such)

The jobs are played identical (except for the obvious differences in WSes and JAs). Run in, melee all you can, use JAs when available.

That said, it isn't the ONLY way to play SMN. You can sub WHM and heal, sub COR and buff, sub RDM and refresh, toss up alexander 2 hour and zerg, kite NMs, etc. But the very basics of the job, is very similar to DRK.

I also believe a DRK could sub WHM and main heal decently. But for some reason that doesn't make them mages. Go figure.
First off I never said that you can't gear a SMN to melee(every job in this game can be geared to melee). If the mob is safe to melee go ahead.

1)SMN 2 handed weapon user = DRK 2 handed weapon user

so is WHM, SCH and BLM

2)SMN has MP = DRK has MP

MP is not a melee trait see SAM, NIN and WAR

3)SMNs avoid casting spells when they can (preferably keep the same avatar out and not resummoning) = DRK avoiding casting spells when they can (to not interrupt melee swings)

In a party SMN is probably cycling avatar's to give buffs unless the target is so weak the buffs are superflous(in which case go nuts lol). Solo unless the target is of kitten level danger the avatar will stay out til fight ends. If the monster is tough chances are you will need a recast, in which case hate=death if your avatar can't pull hate off you with a single BP chances are you are about to die.

4)SMN uses JA's (BPs) = DRK uses JA's (Soul eater and such)

Except in this case BPs are pet commands, and are more akin to spells in fact are designed that way (Hastega= spell haste)

5)The jobs are played identical (except for the obvious differences in WSes and JAs). Run in, melee all you can, use JAs when available.

what game are you playing? honestly

6)That said, it isn't the ONLY way to play SMN. You can sub WHM and heal, sub COR and buff, sub RDM and refresh, toss up alexander 2 hour and zerg, kite NMs, etc. But the very basics of the job, is very similar to DRK.

again SMN=/=DRK

lets break it down

FF Canon* SMN=Backline mage DRK= HEAVY DD

physical toughness SMN=weakest in the game DRK= up there with the top tier

Gear SMN= CLoth armor DRK= heavy armor

Weapons SMN= mainly stat boosting DRK= DD mostly

Highest weapon skills SMN= B DRK=A+

access to weapon skills SMN= missing several DRK= gets all natively

Job traits SMN=non offensive DRK= pretty offensive

Job abilities SMN= supportive DRK = mostly offense based

*I know in this game it's not always the case, but for the most part it seems to remain true

I don't think I missed anything but a comparison side to side points out the flaws in your theory. For the record I'm not attacking SMN melee, I just take issue with the SMN = Heavy DD view point.

I also believe a DRK could sub WHM and main heal decently. But for some reason that doesn't make them mages. Go figure.

First off DRK can get a max of 18% cure potency(if the waste ASA and MKD rewards on it) have a tiny MP pool and not much in the way of MP management gear, Then add in the fact they have no native way of buffing/curing a party your and your argument has more holes than a fishing net. I can't decide whether your trolling or not and I kinda hope you are